November 29, 2017

Boy Abunda's book ‘It’s Like This’ Is Number 1

In just a short period, Boy Abunda's book ‘It’s Like This’ is now ranked No. 1 for National Book Store October Bestsellers list for Non-Fiction: Philippine Publication. The book was formally launched last September at Shangri-La Mall.



It’s Like This, a good source of inspiration to the readers, contains life lessons, quotes, and selected essays that Abunda wrote for his Direct Line column in The Philippine Star.

Abunda’s life story is an open book. It’s Like This covers his humble beginnings in Borongan, Eastern Samar; his unparalleled love for Nanay Lising; his personal challenges; his journey as a television host, inspirational speaker, and talent manager, among others. 




His nuggets of wisdom are now preserved in the pages of his bestselling book. Some of them include: Gay love is equal to all forms of human love; Never allow other people’s opinions to define who you are. And your opinions must not define others as well; Believe that something great is to become of you. Believe and it will happen; Laugh and live with your successes and failures, knowing that all are fleeting; Enemies deserve respect. The same respect we give to the dead.

Read his 100+ Abundable thoughts and see what valuable lessons you can apply to your personal life.
It's Like This is a great gift for Christmas. Available in National Book Store and Powerbooks for only P275.




OPPO’s 160th Concept Store in SM Megamall opens , OPPO F5 Youth leads the selfie generation at Php13,990

OPPO, the Selfie Expert, just unveiled the new OPPO F5 Youth designed to be the newest selfie-centric smartphone for the young and enthusiastic people. Now that selfies are considered to be a significant factor in social media, OPPO delivers the F5 Youth with its famous A.I. Beauty Technology, Speedy Facial Unlock, and a 6” FHD+ (2160x1080) Full Screen Display, all for the price of Php13,990.
Flagship experience: Speedy Facial Unlock, A.I. Beauty Selfie and Full Screen display at an   affordable price

Unveiled at OPPO’s 160th Concept Store in SM Megamall, the F5 Youth puts the spotlight on its young and trendy-centric features. Priced at a more affordable price point, this new smartphone brings more innovative features that Filipinos will surely enjoy.


Flagship features for all

The OPPO F5 Youth carries the same A.I. Beauty Technology front camera as the OPPO F5, which results to natural-looking selfies without the hassle of tweaking your camera settings. Its selfie experience is like no other because it can analyze more than 200 facial recognition spots and determine the subject’s age, gender, skin type, and skin tone. This produces easy and customized selfies for all.


Capture real moments anytime and anywhere with the OPPO F5 Youth’s high quality 16MP A.I. Beauty front camera, accompanied with a 13MP rear camera. Get to see vibrant visuals with its six-inch full-screen of 2160x1080 resolution (FHD+) protected by the latest Corning Gorilla Glass 5.

Unlock the OPPO F5 Youth using the Speedy Facial Unlock feature, providing an easy and convenient access to your smartphone. This feature is also handy as it becomes an option to unlock the phone besides your passcode and the finger print sensor at the back. 

“The new OPPO F5 Youth brings in a new smartphone experience to Filipinos. Its effortless and natural-looking selfies using the A.I. Beauty Technology will surely be loved by all. It’s also one of the most affordable smartphones today equipped with facial unlock feature, making it innovative along with its strong performance and optics,” said Stephen Cheng, OPPO Philippines’ Brand Marketing Manager.


Multitasking for today’s demanding online world

OPPO F5 Youth runs on the latest Color OS 3.2 which opens apps 23.2% faster, accompanied with a strong 2.5GHz Octa-Core CPU and 3GB RAM for everyday applications on-demand. Connectivity will never be a problem since it’s equipped with a tri-slot tray to accommodate two sim cards and a micro-SD card.

Interact with the OPPO F5 Youth’s seamless features and innovative design. The 6-inch full-screen display allows users to get a wider visual perspective of their phone while maintaining the same size of a 5.5” phone. Explore more apps using the split-screen feature and effortlessly manage your tasks throughout the whole day. 



A smartphone for the Youth

Since OPPO has continued to be the preferred brand of the youth, it consistently creates innovations to elevate your usual smartphone experience. The OPPO SM Megamall Concept Store is OPPO’s latest concept store inspired by a modern minimalist and youthful vibe with a spacious store experience. 

The OPPO F5 Youth is now available at all OPPO concept and dealer stores nationwide for Php13,990. It is also available via Home Credit financing at 6 months 0% interest. 



For more exciting updates about the OPPO F5 Youth, make sure to tune in to OPPO Philippines’ Official Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/OPPOPH/

Chaos brings the house down on December 8 with Trap & Dubstep artist Ookay


Chaos nightclub at City of Dreams Manila presents international DJ/Producer Ookay (pronounced “Okay”) on December 8 to set the party scene in full throttle. Paving the way for the trademark bass-laden Trap and Dubstep tunes of Ookay are Chaos resident DJs MVRXX and Jet Boado together with hype man MC Ronthug who will kick start the party with riveting energy.



Ookay is the stage name of San Diego-based Abraham “Abe” Laguna, who is best known for his heart-pounding and heavy-handed tracks synthesized with dub and trap beats. His signature style is evident in his latest smash hit "Bouncer" with EDM duo Showtek, which topped the Beatport EDM music chart following its release. In 2016, Ookay’s self-released original titled "Thief," was listed in Spotify and quickly went viral in the US and global charts with over 3 million online streaming listeners. The Sirius Electric Area program by Sirius XM Radio Station which is broadcasted across the US and Canada named “Thief” as the most played song on its first month of release. Ookay's undeniable creativity and talent has garnered support from the likes of Skrillex, Diplo, Major Lazer, DJ Snake, Steve Aoki, DJ Mustard.



Cruising from city to city performing for various music festivals in the United States, Europe and Asia, Ookay’s releases including remixes of Congrorock’s “Bless Di Nation Ft. Sean Paul” and Steve Aoiki, and Chris Lake & Tujamo’s “Boneless.” He seamlessly combines EDM and Hiphop influences, while creating a musical style all his own. His collaboration with EDM superstar Diplo to remix Avicii’s “You Make Me” is also considered as one of his best works.


Armed with numerous ear-catching releases and a rapidly growing number of fans around the world, Ookay shows no signs of stopping, creating even more captivating hits including “Chasing Colors” featuring Miley Cyrus’ youngest sister Noah, “Back Again”, and “Lighthouse”.

The event is co-presented by Heineken and supported by Red Bull. For Chaos VIP table reservations, guests can contact 0917-8863678. Door charge is priced at P 1,000 inclusive of one drink.





About Chaos
Manila’s Chaos Nightclub offers an unparalleled nightlife experience. It is situated in the ‘Fortune Egg – an architecturally-unique dome-like structure, accentuated with creative exterior lighting and an iconic landmark in the Manila Bay area.

UnionBank Launches The ARK , the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines

UnionBank officially launched The ARK, the first fully digital bank branch in the Philippines last November 27. UnionBank, consistent with its role as the technology-leader among banks in the country,  continues enhancing digital banking.

Using digital technology to augment an actual banking experience, The ARK by UnionBank delivers on its promise of a new digital platform experience in banking.




“The ARK was established by UnionBank to address the common pain points in banking. Falling in line, getting a number before being attended to, spending a lot of time in the bank which could have been used in, otherwise, more productive endeavors. It is also meant to satisfy the diverse and changing needs of our customers,” explained UnionBank President and Chief Operations Officer (COO) Edwin R. Bautista.
Bautista explained that The Ark provides an interactional experience rather than a transactional space.  It could also be used as a 3rd space for different communities to get together.

The ARK, as a concept branch/ “lab,”also serves as a platform for the clients to co-create an ideal banking experience by closely looking into what the clients’ needs and wants when it comes to banking. 

Digital natives would find The ARK as the perfect bank branch that fits their lifestyle.

For non-digital natives, however, The ARK serves as their bridge that comfortably leads them from traditional to digital banking.



“The ARK provides a service unlike any other.  There are no lines, no numbers, hardly any forms to fill up, just highly-trained bank ambassadors ready and happy to give personalized service to each and every client. Every client here receives the proverbial VIP service,” Bautista adds.


At The ARK, a client is treated like a guest, welcomed by the bank ambassador who hands him a tablet to select his transaction.  The bank ambassador may usher the guest to the coffee area where he could enjoy his espresso while waiting for the bank ambassador to facilitate his transaction. The guest will also be able to maximize his time while at The ARK and do some work as the branch is equipped with high-speed internet.  Customized and comfortable seats are provided for The ARK guests.


UnionBank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Justo A. Ortiz said that it should not come as a surprise for UnionBank to come up with The ARK, which is seen as the bank of the future.

“UnionBank trailblazed digital banking in the Philippines and we continue with our efforts to use technology and enhancing digital banking capabilities in order to provide the best customer experience for our clients,” Ortiz said.

UnionBank has recently been awarded as the Best Digital Bank at the Asiamoney Banking Awards 2017, held at The Ritz-Carlton in Beijing, China, last September 26, validating its position as the best digital bank in the country.

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier graced the launch of The ARK and hailed UnionBank for its future-ready innovations which are at par with international banking standards. 

Fonacier said that BSP believes in financial technology as both an opportunity and a challenge to the banking sector. 

BSP records show that 25% of current bank clients use mobile banking technologies in their transactions and this number is predicted to grow exponentially over the years. 

“Our banks need to be equipped with sound digital strategies for them to cope up with these digital innovations to better serve their clients. BSP will also be aggressively pursuing reforms to support our banks through an enabling regulatory environment,” Fonacier adds.




The ARK is located at the Insular Life Building at Ayala Avenue corner Paseo de Roxas in the Makati Central Business District. 

November 28, 2017

Acer Philippines and The SM Store wishes everyone a #MalayangPasko with its Holiday Promo

Acer Philippines, a leading tech and innovations company, shares an exciting Christmas treat as it announces its #MalayangPasko Holiday Promo. Done in partnership with retail giant SM, the Promo was recently launched together with its endorsers JM De Guzman and Jennylyn Mercado at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall. 

Recognizing that customers have diverse priorities and interests especially during the holiday season, Acer Philippines believes that this Christmas, there is no greater gift than the gift of choice. Dubbing the Promo as #MalayangPasko, the IT company has chosen to partner with The SM Store, the nation’s ultimate shopping destination known for their wide range of products, wholly communicated by their tagline “We’ve got it all for you”. 


“This year, as a thank you for keeping Acer as the leading PC brand in the country, we want our gift to really bring joy, and the best way we can do that is to give consumers the freedom to choose their gift,” shares Sue Ong-Lim, Acer Philippines’ Sales and Marketing Director. “Hand in hand with SM, we give our consumers access to an array of products, where they will surely find something to brighten their holidays.”


Acer’s Holiday Promo will run until December 31, during which every purchase of qualifying Windows-based Acer Aspire laptops, desktops, and AllInOnes will come with free The SM Store Exclusive Promotional Shopping Vouchers. Customers will get shopping vouchers worth PHP 5,000.00 for every purchase of Intel Core i7-powered laptops and desktops; PHP 3,000.00 for Intel Core i5-powered laptops and desktops; and PHP 1,000.00 for Intel Core i3-powered laptops and desktops, and projectors.

“The SM Store is grateful and deeply honored to have been chosen by Acer as a partner for its Holiday Promo,” shares Chelo C. Monasterio, President of The SM Store. “We hope that with SM’s help, Acer will be able to truly bring the festive spirit of Christmas.”

Additionally, exclusive rewards await SM Advantage holders. Customers who present their SM Advantage Card, SM Prestige Cards, or BDO Rewards Card can enjoy 10x more SMAC points whenever they redeem using their Exclusive Promotional Voucher in The SM Store. 

For more information on the promo, visit the Acer Philippines Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/AcerPH and the Acer Philippines website at www.acer.com.ph, and follow @acerphils on Twitter. You may also purchase online via http://ph-store.acer.com/.

November 26, 2017

Orange Blush Salon introduces OBS SuperCut, the first pop-up salon in the country

Joby Linsangan-Moreno, celebrity entrepreneur and owner of Orange Blush Salon
One of the fastest-growing salon chains in Luzon, the Orange Blush Salon always put priority to deliver salon services with the highest quality yet affordable.

Orange Blush Salon (OBS) has recently welcomed the newest member of its family: the OBS SuperCut, the first pop-up salon in the country. 

The OBS SuperCup is a specialty salon booth that offers hassle-free and professional Haircutting and Manicure/Pedicure services.

“Express ang lahat ng serbisyo,” taking a quote from its Facebook posts. The project was unveiled last October at the Ground Floor Robinsons Townville, Cabanatuan City. Lucky OBS clients availed the ‘pisong gupit’ offering on its opening day. 

The people behind Orange Blush Salon, led by celebrity entrepreneur and owner Joby Linsangan-Moreno, always strive to think of innovative ways on how to make OBS stand out among the rest in the salon industry. 

Aside from their affordable salon deals and services, OBS proudly introduced its latest hair products: 
  • OBS After Conditioner Treatment 
  • OBS Leave-On Hair Conditioner
These are especially formulated for salon-treated hair and are exclusively available at Orange Blush Salons and OBS SuperCut. Try them and see for yourselves the wonders these products do to your salon-treated hair. You can now maintain healthy, soft, and shiny tresses with the touch of your fingertips right at home.

Orange Blush Salon always offers top-of-the-line service to its clients – pampering them as if they are royalties. Clients are welcomed by the cozy and vibrant orange color of the salon’s interiors the moment they enter the doorstep. 

Joby explained, “The color orange represents happiness, positivity, and optimism. It’s the color we want people to see (and feel) when they come to our salons.” 

Since opening its first branch in Cabanatuan City in 2003, Orange Blush Salon has expanded to more than 20 branches in North Luzon. Not only is OBS one of the fastest growing chain of salons in Nueva Ecija and nearby provinces. It has now made its way to Manila with its flagship salon in Cubao. Other metro branches can be found in Sta. Cruz, Manila and Katipunan, Quezon City. Manileños do not need to travel far away because they can now experience the same royal treatment that OBS clients in the provinces enjoy.

OBS offers a wide-range of deals and services that include haircutting, hair treatments, hair rebonding, hair straightening, hair coloring, manicure and pedicure, foot spa, makeup, Power Dose Treatment, Brazillian Keratin Treatment, and Semi De Lino Treatment, among others.



Joby said: 
“My business philosophy is simple: make your customer feel special, but always at an affordable price. Everything has to be sulit.”
You can check out their website at www.orangeblushsalon.com or look them up on Facebook.


November 25, 2017

AirAsia and World Vision to help children "See the World"

AirAsia Executives hand over an AirAsia model plane as a sign of commitment and partnership with World Vision. (From left: Mr. Pete Chareonwongsak, AirAsia Regional COO, Capt. Darren Adrian Acorda, AirAsia Philippines’ Chief Pilot for Operations, Mr. Rommel Fuerte, World Vision Philippines’ National Director, World Vision Ambassadors Ms. Gelli Victor, Quest and Christian Bautista, World Vision Philippines’ Media and Communications Manager Mr. Gjeff Lamigo)

AirAsia in partnership with World Vision celebrates the season of giving through a joint Christmas initiative called “See the World,” an awareness building and fundraising effort for the benefit of Filipino children.

“See the World” aims to raise at least one million pesos to provide sponsorship program for many children as direct recipients across the country.


For every AirAsia seats booked or sold in the Philippines from 1 to 31 December 2017, five pesos will be automatically donated to World Vision’s child sponsorship program. 

Mr. Pete Chareongwongsak, AirAsia Regional COO talks about the “See the World” campaign.



AirAsia Regional Chief Operating Officer Pete Chareonwongsak said,
“The collaboration between AirAsia and World Vision represents another step forward in our commitment to the philosophy that no corporation can live apart from the community it serves. As a truly Filipino airline, we will always extend a helping hand to the communities we serve.”
“AirAsia as a global brand is honored to partner with an international relief, development and advocacy organization as we both share the same commitment and passion in helping communities especially children see the wonders of the world through sponsorship programs in education.”
World Vision Philippines’ National Director Mr. Rommel Fuerte talks about the AirAsia and World Vision partnership.


World Vision Philippines National Director Rommel Fuerte, meanwhile, said, “As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of World Vision here in the Philippines, we are very thankful to have this milestone partnership with AirAsia Philippines. With this significant initiative, we can ensure that every peso that will be donated to World Vision will help a lot of underprivileged Filipino children attain their dreams.” 

“Christmas in the Philippines is very much celebrated and being involved in this exciting project is truly a gift that enables us to reach out and help as many children as we can.”

World Vision Ambassador Ms. Gelli Victor hosts the “See the World” launch.

Capt. Darren Acorda and First Officer Andre Abacan awards an AirAsia Pilot's badge to a World Vision sponsored child who dreams of becoming a pilot. 



Aside from fundraising efforts, “See the World” will feature inspiring stories of children from impoverished communities around the country whose lives have changed and caused other children and communities to aspire for better living conditions. 

“See the World” was officially launched at Hotel H2O with World Vision Philippines ambassadors led by Asia’s Romantic Balladeer Christian Bautista, singer and rapper Quest and radio DJ and host Gelli Victor. 
World Vision Ambassador Mr. Christian Bautista talks about the World Vision Child Sponsorship Program and the milestone partnership between AirAsia and World Vision through the “See the World” project.

World Vision Ambassador Christian Bautista and Mandaluyong Children’s Choir sing together for the AirAsia – World Vision See the World launch. 


World Vision ambassador Christian Bautista said, “Working with World Vision in the Philippines is really a joy for me. Yes, I am able to touch the lives of these children when we reach out to them. But they don’t know how their smiles are able to change me as a person. And with the wonderful ‘See the World’ collaboration of AirAsia and World Vision, each one can have that chance to touch each other's hearts and celebrate Christmas in a different way.” 


World Vision Ambassador Quest touches the hearts of the audience through his sharing about his experience as a World Vision sponsor and performing one of his inspiring songs.


For his part, Quest, also an ambassador for World Vision said, “I don’t feel any burden being a child sponsor. In fact, it makes me feel wonderful being able to help. And through this ‘See the World’ campaign of AirAsia and World Vision in the Philippines, it will be easier for anyone to help.” 

AirAsia Philippines will run a web series online and available in AirAsiaPhilippines facebook starting November 20. 

Keep updated and find out more about “See the World” through #AirAsiaWorldVision and #SeeTheWorld hashtags.

AirAsia Philippines is a member of the AirAsia Group, voted the World’s Best Low Cost Carrier for nine consecutive years running. AAP operates a fleet of 17 aircraft with domestic and international flights out of hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Kalibo. The airline operates several flights to/from Manila, Davao, Cebu, Kalibo, Caticlan (Boracay), Tacloban, Tagbilaran (Bohol), Puerto Princesa (Palawan), Clark, and Iloilo in the Philippines with international flights to/from Shanghai, Taipei, Incheon (Seoul), Hong Kong, Macau, Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Guangzhou, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Singapore.

The AirAsia “See the World” Christmas project is also brought to you by AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme.



About AirAsia BIG Loyalty Programme

Introducing AirAsia’s all-new Freedom Flyer Programme, powered by BIG Loyalty.

You can now earn BIG Points faster and enjoy better rewards than ever before, only from flying with AirAsia. Download the BIG Loyalty mobile app to discover your new membership status today! 

Did you know you can redeem round trip flights for as low 1,000* BIG points during the monthly Final Call sale? 

Visit www.airasiabig.com now to join us and go further. 

“See the World” fundraising activity mechanics

Max’s Group partners with GCash on e-payment via QR Codes

Max’s Group, Inc. (MGI), the largest casual dining company in the Philippines, has partnered with GCash, the pioneer in electronic payments using QR codes, to help jumpstart the country’s move into a cashless ecosystem.
MGI is composed of Max’s, Pancake House, Krispy Kreme, Jamba Juice, Yellow Cab, Teriyaki Boy, Dencio’s, Maple, Singkit, Kabisera, Sizzlin’ Steak, and Le Coure de France.
“I think there is a great opportunity for us to address the consumer needs especially the phone as a wallet since there is a great amount of convenience that comes with that,” said Sharon Fuentebella, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MGI.

Dave Fuentebella, MGI Chief Financial Officer added: “find the use of GCash scan to pay feature to be seamless so we are anticipating that it will grow as more customers use this payment gateway facility. We’re excited to see how this will evolve. Right now, we are very happy with how GCash is being used. We’re just waiting for it to be rolled out in all our stores for other consumers to experience it as well.”

The GCash scan to pay feature will be available in at least 50 stores across MGI’s network by the end of November, with more stores slated to rollout the service in 2018.

GCash pioneered in the Philippines the use of the reversed QR payments via smartphone, a move which is expected to change the landscape of how Filipinos usually pay for their purchases.

Through the scan to pay feature of the GCash App, customers can use their GCash account to pay for goods and services by simply scanning QR codes displayed by merchants and establishments. For the consumers, this eliminates the hassle of bringing money, waiting for change, or getting into misunderstandings over payments. Merchants, on the other hand, would no longer need expensive machines to process mobile money transactions but only QR stickers with a unique code that is linked to their GCash wallet.



Albert Tinio, GCash President and CEO, on the other hand, welcomed Max’s Group to the fold of early adopters of e-payment, particularly the scan to pay feature of the GCash App. 
“We are glad to see a big restaurant chain like Max’s embracing the future of e-payments in the Philippines. QR scanning via mobile phone as a mode of payment is already widely-accepted in China, India and other countries in Asia and we want to replicate its success here through the help of our partners like Max’s Group,” he said.

By making QR codes available to anyone, even to ambulant vendors and sari-sari store owners, GCash will be paving the way for a cashless society which means faster, more convenient, and secure transactions for both merchants and consumers.

Its introduction is in line with the thrust of GCash investors – Globe Telecom, Ant Financial, and Ayala Corporation, to accelerate financial inclusion and upgrade payment services in the Philippines.

November 24, 2017

Stars to align, collide at Golden Fiesta’s Heart Healthy Camp at BGC on Nov. 26

Get ready to be starstruck on November 26, Sunday, when celebrity hotties engage health buffs in a holistic fitness program on the second leg of Golden Fiesta’s Heart Healthy Camp.


To be held at Track 30th in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the Heart Healthy Camp will feature high-profile ‘fitspirations’ who will take time off from their packed schedules to sweat it out with camp participants.

Power couple Solenn Heussaff and Nico Bolzico of the wildly popular ‘hubby vs. wifezilla’ videos will take their “feud” to the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp as they lead other celebrities and fitness enthusiasts in trying out various fitness routines. 

The celebrities will be split into two groups—Team Solenn and Team Nico—as they compete in circuit training. 

The second leg of Golden Fiesta’s Heart Healthy Camp will also be graced by former Philippine Azkals player Anton del Rosario and his fiancée, fashion designer royalty Sam Richelle; Miss Earth 2015 Angelia Ong; Mr. World Philippines 2016 Sam Ajdani; volleyball superstar Rachel Daquis; actress Maricar de Mesa; Miss World Philippines 2015 Hillarie Parungao; model-mom Angel Jones; singer-actress Ana Roces; and model June Macasaet.


Scores of young professionals who aspire to be heart-healthy will have a chance to interact with their celebrity fitspirations as they learn and enjoy new fitness techniques at the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp—all for free.



Interested participants may register at Track 30th as early as 5 a.m. on Nov. 26. They will get a free test to check their current fitness status using Golden Fiesta’s Karada machines, which will also determine whether they are suited for the beginner, intermediate, and advance levels of activities. They will also receive a special event passport that will be stamped after they finish each fitness activity, plus a Finisher’s Shirt and other special treats from Golden Fiesta upon completing all activities.

Aside from joining various stations of workout activities manned by professional coaches and trainers, participants may watch a live cooking demo—using heart-healthy Golden Fiesta Canola Oil—by celebrity chef and fitness buff Jose Sarasola. The chef-actor will teach participants how to prepare simple but healthy recipes at home, like Golden Fiesta Lettuce Salad with Guyabano Vinaigrette, Golden Fiesta Bangus Back Fillet and Adobo Kangkong Duo, and Golden Fiesta Japanese Chicken Katsu in Curry Sauce. A food sampling will follow. Registered nutritionist and dietician Fia Batua will also give free consultations to participants on how to maintain a heart-healthy lifestyle.

“It’s not every day that we get a chance to train with our celebrity idols and fitspirations, not to mention jump-starting a new fitness regimen with them—for free. This is why we encourage everyone, especially residents of the metro and nearby areas, to sign up for the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp on Nov. 26,” said Carl Constantino, category marketing manager at NutriAsia.

“It is a great opportunity for you to evaluate your lifestyle and initiate positive changes, including making the right food choices. After all, it’s an event made possible by heart-healthy Golden Fiesta Canola Oil.”

After the BGC leg, the Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp will be held at Eton Centris Walk in Quezon City on December 3, Sunday. 

The Golden Fiesta Heart Healthy Camp is coming soon to a venue near you, so don’t forget to check out Golden Fiesta’s official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/GoldenFiestaPH/ for updates on upcoming legs.

Golden Fiesta by NutriAsia, the country’s number one cooking oil brand, is available in leading supermarkets nationwide. NutriAsia is a powerhouse of beloved, timeless, and iconic Filipino food brands that include Datu Puti, UFC, Silver Swan, Papa, Jufran, Mafran, Mang Tomas, and Golden Fiesta.



November 23, 2017

World Vision shifts to recovery aid for returning families in Marawi


World Vision commits to support early recovery efforts for Marawi as thousands of its displaced families start returning to the city.

"We will continue to stand with the people of Marawi, especially with the children who are at the heart of our response," assures Rommel Fuerte, World Vision's National Director in the Philippines.

In coordination with the government, local partners and the conflict-affected communities, World Vision continues its humanitarian efforts to address the evolving needs of the affected people.

"We have started our post conflict assessments in some areas of Marawi. Our next steps will be based on the result of the said activity. We will ensure the participation of the affected population and will continue to engage local partners in the implementation of early recovery interventions," explains Ajab Macapagat, Humanitarian and Emergency Affairs Director. World Vision targets to help at least 1,000 families in the city, focusing on livelihood, psychosocial and education interventions.

Following the Philippine President's declaration of Marawi's liberation from the armed groups which attacked the city last May, the government continues to facilitate the homecoming of families to the cleared barangays or villages.

The 5-month armed conflict has displaced about 400,000 people and affected more than 80,000 school-aged children. It has also disrupted the livelihood of more than 69,000 farmers and around 118,000 workforce.

Macapagat further explains, "The early days of the response focused on home-based IDPs in Iligan City, Balo-i and Munai in Lanao del Norte and Lumbayanague, Marantao and Piagapo in Lanao del Sur. Now that the government has cleared several areas in Marawi, the response will now shift in helping the families as they reintegrate themselves in the city."

39-year old Raisa is one of the many displaced mothers who now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives from the rubble. She takes care of her three children and is also 5-months pregnant. 

"Some people were afraid of us after the Marawi crisis started so more than the relief items, it matters that people come here, talk to us and listen to us," shares Raisa.

She has been attending World Vision's women and young child space (WaYCS) in the outskirts of Piagapo in Lanao del Sur.

"The 10-day WaYCS has also been a good venue for me to mingle with other mothers and get support as I take care of my children, especially the baby inside me," she explains. 

Her child Hanzela, also joined the child-friendly space and was given a learner's kit.

To date, the organization, through its local partners Ecoweb, Mindanao Tri-partite Youth Core (MTYC), Rawaten, Lanao Youth Council and Tapukan Farmers' Movement for Progress and Concord, Inc. has reached at least 40,000 people through its multi-sectoral interventions. 


About 20,000 children were served through setting up of 14 child-friendly spaces and provision of learner's kits while 4,000 families or approximately 20,000 people were given hygiene kits that included toothbrushes, toothpaste, underwear for both children and adults, sanitary napkin, nail cutter, malong, bath and laundry soaps and other non-food items like mosquito net, fleece blanket and plastic mat. World Vision, through the departments of education and social welfare, has provided 12 temporary learning spaces and 1,000 5-gallon water.

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